BEIJING, March 3: Pakistan and China are likely to soon adopt a plan in the energy sector under a bilateral framework agreement signed during President Gen Pervez Musharraf’s visit to Beijing last week.
The agreement includes development of nuclear-based energy resources. The cooperation will be in line with the Chinese support which is being already extended to Pakistan to develop the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant (CNPP).
Sources said on Friday that Pakistan and China would hold a high-level forum in Islamabad shortly to work out a strategy of cooperation in the energy sector. The strategy will be implemented in the next five years.
The proposal of holding the forum was made by President Musharraf during official-level talks with his Chinese counterpart.
Accepting the proposal, the Chinese leaders agreed to encourage relevant companies to interact with Pakistani organisations and departments aimed at promoting a mutually beneficial partnership in the energy sector.
According to China’s National Development and Reform Commission, Beijing is prepared to collaborate with Islamabad in various fields, including nuclear power, hydro and thermal power, transmission lines as well as renewable energy such as wind power, solar power and biomass.
The two sides decided to set up a joint working group to suggest and implement proposals.
In a joint statement issued at the end of the president’s visit, the two countries expressed satisfaction at the performance of CNPP-I and the start of the construction of CNPP-II. Both sides expressed willingness to enhance cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The framework agreement on energy cooperation is a wide-ranging document in which Pakistan sought Chinese help in the construction of oil refineries, gas terminals, and oil and gas storage and transit facilities. The Chinese agreed to extend extensive cooperation in these fields.
The two countries agreed to share technology and experience in clean energy and undertake joint projects. Uninterrupted, secure and economical supply of energy will be ensured to meet the needs of their development.—APP
